Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Kunstvereine e.V.

The art associations in Germany form a unique and diverse platform for the mediation and promotion of contemporary art. With over 300 exhibition institutions and more than 120,000 members, they are the backbone of contemporary art in Germany[2][3][4].

• Exhibitions and Art Mediation: The art associations regularly organize exhibitions that allow the general public to experience and understand contemporary art.
• Annual Gifts and Art Sales: Many art associations offer their members the opportunity to acquire artworks through annual gifts, fostering a direct connection between artists and collectors.
• Educational and Discussion Offerings: Through lectures, tours, and educational trips, the art associations inform about current developments in art and promote engagement and discussion between visitors and artists[2][3].

The main mission of the art associations is to promote and mediate contemporary art. They are non-profit institutions dedicated to the public presentation and dialogue about art. Their values include the democratization of access to art, the promotion of artistic innovation, and the creation of an open platform for cultural discussions. They contribute to making art and culture accessible to broad segments of society and fostering a democratic understanding that serves the preservation of cultural heritage[2][3].

• Cultural Heritage: The art associations were included in the nationwide register of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the German UNESCO Commission in 2021 under the title "Idea and Practice of Art Associations." This underscores their importance for the mediation and preservation of cultural heritage[2].
• Civic Engagement: Through their grassroots democratic structure and the active participation of their members, the art associations promote strong civic engagement in the art scene.
• Funding through Membership Fees and Public Funds: Funding through membership fees, public funds, and sponsors ensures the independence and sustainability of the art associations[2][3].

The first art associations emerged in the 19th century, particularly between 1800 and 1840, as an expression of the emancipation efforts of the rising bourgeoisie and the artists themselves. Among the oldest art associations are the Kunstverein Nürnberg (1792), the Kunstverein in Hamburg (1817), and the Badische Kunstverein in Karlsruhe (1818). Today, the art associations are united in the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Kunstvereine e.V., which represents their interests and promotes joint projects[2][5].

Thus, the art associations in Germany are not only important places for the presentation and discussion of contemporary art but also central actors in promoting cultural diversity and civic engagement.

• 1 - https://kunstvereine.de/de/kunstvereine
• 2 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunstverein
• 3 - https://kunstvereine.de/de/ueber-uns
• 4 - https://kunstvereine.de/de/ueber-kunstvereine
• 5 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunstverein_in_Hamburg